Chicago-based non-profit, Bluegrass Ambassadors, founded by critically-acclaimed bluegrass band Henhouse Prowlers, have, once again, partnered with ReString Appalachia, a non-profit initiated by the music history podcast American Songcatcher, to raise funds to provide musical instruments to individuals affected by the devastating flooding in Texas.
The organizations collaborated earlier this year raffling off a custom handmade Tyler White Mandolin with $21,500 raised for North Carolina Arts Disaster Relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene. ReString has given 800+ instruments to individuals who lost everything from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the Palisades/Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles.
With the recent tragic flooding in Kerr County, Travis County and surrounding areas in central Texas, the companies moved quickly to see how they could work together to help those affected. Securing an autographed Béla Fleck Gold Tone "Bluegrass Heart" Mastertone Prototype Banjo, developed in collaboration with him as a prototype of his legendary 1937 RB-75 conversion banjo, a raffle will run July 29 - September 1, 2025 via fund-raising platform Givebutter with the banjo to be awarded to a randomly selected winner on September 2, 2025. Raffles tickets start at $30 each and can be purchased at https://givebutter.com/belabanjoraffle.
"As the primary responses continue to get the essentials back in order for those affected in the Texas Hill Country, ReString Appalachia is poised to help bring music back to the area, and will be taking applications for those who wish to replace instruments that they lost in the flooding starting August 6th. We are aware of how vital music has been to the culture, the history, and the future of this area, and are honored to be able to help in this way." - Nicholas Edward Williams, ReString Appalachia, Founder
"When you see someone who’s lost everything light up as they hold an instrument again, it’s impossible to stay on the sidelines. That moment speaks to the power of music in healing and rebuilding, and that’s why we’re all in on this collaboration. It aligns perfectly with our mission to connect and uplift through music.” - Ben Wright, Bluegrass Ambassadors/Henhouse Prowlers, Co-Founder
A tenured, revered fixture in the bluegrass scene, Henhouse Prowlers, who recently celebrated their 21st Anniversary, issued their 10th LP, 'Unravel' in April via Dark Shadow Recording. Expanding upon their traditional roots, the chemistry of the band shines on "Look Up to the Sky," "Line the Avenues," "Three Seasons," and "Space Man." Bluegrass Today equates the 12-chapter journey to a "sonic sojourn with seemingly limitless layers."
The band's storied work ethic and desire to inspire propels them coast to coast and beyond each year. Upcoming performances include the Minnesota Bluegrass Festival (Aug. 7), Ravinia Festival in Chicago (Aug. 20), Earl Scruggs Music Fest (Aug. 29), Suwannee Roots Revival in Florida (Oct. 9) and a special engagement at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. on August 14. The show is free and open to the public.
As ambassadors for bluegrass and on behalf of Bluegrass Ambassadors and the U.S. State Department, Henhouse Prowlers have traveled to 30 countries over the past decade with Uganda, Kenya, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Czech Republic, Turkmenistan, Liberia, and Uzbekistan among the destinations. The quartet just returned from several weeks in Kazakhstan with a mission to Mexico on the horizon.
About:
With a mission to educate and inspire through the cultural exchange of music, Bluegrass Ambassadors is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2016 by Chicago-based band Henhouse Prowlers. Providing unique educational programming that blends global folk music traditions with cultural awareness and understanding, some in conjunction with the U.S. State Department, The Ambassadors’ work is inspired by their many travels, connections and experiences with people and cultures around the globe. bluegrassambassadors.org
ReString Appalachia is a nonprofit organization initiated by the music history podcast American Songcatcher, supported by over 250 musicians, instrument makers, nonprofits, venues, visual artists, actors, and media outlets, dedicated to getting quality instruments back in the hands of those who lost them due to natural and economic disasters. restringappalachia.org
With two decades proudly under their belts, Henhouse Prowlers' sight remains fixed on the future. Ever constant in the group's electric performances is their ability to showcase their passion for music and people. All four members possessing a knack for storytelling, compelling songwriting and intricate instrumentation, each offers the utmost artistic prowess, building on one another's magic night after night. Rooted in tradition yet unafraid to venture into new musical territory, the Prowlers occupy a space that defies easy categorization; one that is consistently fresh, relevant, and captivating. henhouseprowlers.com
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Social: @restringappalachia, @bluegrassambassadors, @americansongcatcher, @henhouseprowlers
#RestringAppalachia, #BluegrassAmbassadors, #HillCountryFloods, #TexasStrong, #TexasFloodRelief, #TexasFloods, #CommunitySupport, #DisasterRelief
Raffle + donation link: givebutter.com/belabanjoraffle
restringappalachia.org and bluegrassambassadors.org
